Concerts & Events in Area 5

Handbell Musicians of America offers a wide variety of events on a national, regional and local level festivals, seminars, master classes, etc. National events are planned and presented by the HMA national office. Regional and local events are planned and presented by Areas & Sub-Areas, or by a member or member organization of Handbell Musicians of America.

This page is intended to serve as a list of all handbell-related concerts and events occurring in Area 5.

To see your event or concert listed here, please follow the instructions on the right. Each event must be entered separately. Please wait approximately one week for listings to appear on the Area 5 website. For questions or edits, please email our webmaster.

See your event listed here!

To have a concert listed on this page, please fill out this form.

To have your festival/workshop/other event listed, please email our webmaster with the following: Event name, date and time of event, venue name & address, registration information & cost, and the event website (if applicable).

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2024

Saturday, Nov. 16 | 9 a.m. 4 p.m.MI

Eaton Rapids Fall Handbell Festival

First United Methodist Church | 600 S. Main St., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827

Join conductors Brenda Austin and Kyle Webber for the Eaton Rapids Fall Handbell Festival! Featuring tracks for Tins (Level ~1) & Coppers (Level ~3), classes for ringer and directors, and a concert by the Detroit Handbell Ensemble.

Closing concert: 3:30 p.m. Free and open to the public.

Registration: $20 per person or $150 per choir. Includes lunch. Tables will be provided if desired; attendees should bring their own bells/chimes, foam, and music. More information at the link above, and the registration form is here. Registration deadline is Oct. 15.

Sunday, Nov. 17 | 4 p.m.MI

The Prairie Bells | Ringing for Relief

First United Methodist Church Mishawaka | 201 East Third Street, Mishawaka, IN 46544

The Prairie Bells invite you to join them for a fun afternoon of music, music, music! As always, the concert is free to attend. Instead, as is our tradition, we will collect a monetary donation from attendees during the concert. This year, donations will go to help those in the southern United States who experienced devastation this year from two hurricanes and their after-effects. UMCOR or the United Methodist Committee on Relief sends 100% of all donations to those in need. A representative from UMCOR will be present for the concert and will share more about the work UMCOR does to support the well-being of fellow human beings.

Sunday, Dec. 1 | 5:30 p.m. IN

Joyful Sound

Nineveh Christian Church | 1261 County Road 775 South, Nineveh, IN 46164

Admission: Free, although donations are gratefully accepted.

Join Joyful Sound, a bronze-level community handbell choir based in Greater Indianapolis, for our annual first Sunday of Advent concert at Nineveh Christian Church! Featuring classic holiday tunes both sacred and secular, this concert is sure to delight all audiences.

Friday, Dec. 6 | 7 p.m. MI

Classical Bells | Ringing in the Season with Classical Bells

Oakland Chinese Church | 4155 N. Squirrel Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326

Admission: TBA

Child Evangelism Fellowship is hosting their annual fundraising event with a Classical Bells Christmas show.

Friday, Dec. 6 | 7:30 p.m. MI

Detroit Handbell Ensemble | The Stars Are Brightly Shining

Holy Cross Lutheran Church | 30650 Six Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48152

Admission: Free, although donations are welcome.

Come and be inspired this holiday season by songs and dulcet sounds spotlighting celestial phenomena. You, too, are a radiant and glimmering star. Come, join us in creating a magical light. Together, we are all brightly shining. Conducted by Kyle Webber and comprised of the finest handbell musicians from southeast Michigan, the Detroit Handbell Ensemble celebrates more than 30 years of outstanding performances showcasing the brilliance of the Motor City.

Friday, Dec. 6 | 7:30 p.m. OH

Stow Heritage Ringers | 2024 Annual Holiday Concert

Stow Presbyterian Church | 4150 Fishcreek Road, Stow, OH 44224

Admission: Free, although donations are welcome.

Saturday, Dec. 7 | 7 p.m. MI

Detroit Handbell Ensemble | The Stars Are Brightly Shining

First United Methodist Church | 777 West Eight Mile Road, Northville, MI 48167

Admission: Free, although donations are welcome.

Come and be inspired this holiday season by songs and dulcet sounds spotlighting celestial phenomena. You, too, are a radiant and glimmering star. Come, join us in creating a magical light. Together, we are all brightly shining. Conducted by Kyle Webber and comprised of the finest handbell musicians from southeast Michigan, the Detroit Handbell Ensemble celebrates more than 30 years of outstanding performances showcasing the brilliance of the Motor City.

Tuesday, Dec. 10 | 7 p.m. OH

Queen City Bronze | Christmas Kaleidoscope

Twin Towers Senior Living | 5343 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45224

Admission: Free, although donations are welcome.

Ring in the holidays with a festive program in three sections: Season of Light, Celebrate Around the World, and Holiday Classics.

Friday, Dec. 13 | 7 p.m. MI

Classical Bells | Ringing in the Season with Classical Bells

Zion United Church of Christ | 68 New St., Mount Clemens, MI 48043

Admission: $10

Please join Classical Bells for this special Christmas celebration in Mount Clemens.

Friday, Dec. 13 | 7 p.m. MI

Detroit Handbell Ensemble | The Stars Are Brightly Shining

Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church | 2905 S. Commerce Road, Walled Lake, MI 48390

Admission: Free, although donations are welcome.

Come and be inspired this holiday season by songs and dulcet sounds spotlighting celestial phenomena. You, too, are a radiant and glimmering star. Come, join us in creating a magical light. Together, we are all brightly shining. Conducted by Kyle Webber and comprised of the finest handbell musicians from southeast Michigan, the Detroit Handbell Ensemble celebrates more than 30 years of outstanding performances showcasing the brilliance of the Motor City.

Friday, Dec. 13 | 7 p.m. OH

Queen City Bronze | Christmas Kaleidoscope

Epiphany United Methodist Church | 6635 Loveland-Miamiville Road, Loveland, OH 45140

Admission: Free, although donations are welcome.

Ring in the holidays with a festive program in three sections: Season of Light, Celebrate Around the World, and Holiday Classics.

Saturday, Dec. 14 | 4 p.m. KY

Queen City Bronze | Christmas Kaleidoscope

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ | 1 North Jefferson St., Alexandria, KY 41001

Admission: Free, although donations are welcome.

Ring in the holidays with a festive program in three sections: Season of Light, Celebrate Around the World, and Holiday Classics.

Saturday, Dec. 14 | 7 p.m. MI

Classical Bells | Ringing in the Season with Classical Bells

St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church | 30900 Six Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48152

Admission: TBA

Join Classical Bells for this spectacular Christmas Show of handbells and chorus. We will be sharing the stage with special guests Shoreline Sound.

Sunday, Dec. 15 | 4 p.m. MI

Detroit Handbell Ensemble | The Stars Are Brightly Shining

Dearborn First United Methodist Church | 22124 Garrison St., Dearborn, MI 48124

Admission: Free, although donations are welcome.

Come and be inspired this holiday season by songs and dulcet sounds spotlighting celestial phenomena. You, too, are a radiant and glimmering star. Come, join us in creating a magical light. Together, we are all brightly shining. Conducted by Kyle Webber and comprised of the finest handbell musicians from southeast Michigan, the Detroit Handbell Ensemble celebrates more than 30 years of outstanding performances showcasing the brilliance of the Motor City.

Monday, Dec. 16 | 7:30 p.m.MI

Lexington Ringers | Christmastime!

Tates Creek Christian Church | 3150 Tates Creek Road, Lexington, KY 40502

Admission: Suggested donation: $10 per person, or $25 per family. Donations may be made here.

Ring in the season with us! Under the direction of Jeff Marsh, the Lexington Ringers present their annual holiday handbell concert. Join the Ringers for a fabulous evening of handbell music, singing, and other surprises!

Tuesday, Dec. 17 | 7:30 p.m.MI

Embellish Handbells | Journey to Joy

Mayflower Congregational Church | 2345 Robinson Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Admission: $12

Join Embellish for our celebration of the holidays! This year, our concert theme will be “Journey to Joy.”

Friday, Dec. 20 | 7 p.m. MI

Classical Bells | Ringing in the Season with Classical Bells

First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor | 608 E. William St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Admission: TBA

Please join the First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor and the American Center of Church Music for an evening filled with Classical Bells. This program is sure to please an audience of all ages!

Friday, Dec. 20 | 7 p.m. OH

Columbus Rings | ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

Worthington United Methodist Church | 600 High St., Worthington, OH 43085

Admission: Free, although donations are welcome.

Columbus Rings returns to Worthington United Methodist Church to ring in the holiday season! Join us for a program packed with classic carols, songs of peace and joy, and exciting new arrangements – all played on five octaves of handbells and handchimes. Our concert will feature Collin Richardson on the organ and piano, along with guest percussionists and brass. It’s certain to be an exciting and engaging event for the whole family. We hope you’ll join us!

2025

Sunday, March 9 | 3 p.m.IN

Purdue Bells | Space Bells

Wells Community Cultural Center | 638 North St., Lafayette, IN 47901

Admission: Free.

A concert of out-of-this-world music, including a galactic premiere!

Friday-Saturday, April 25-26OH

2025 Area 5 Spring Festival

Greater Columbus Convention Center | 400 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215

Join us in Ohio’s capital city as we welcome conductor Fred Gramann to lead us in a weekend of handbell ringing, fellowship, and fun! More information here.

Sunday, May 4 | 3 p.m.MI

Embellish Handbells | There’s No Place Like Home

Matthews Performing Arts Center at Cornerstone University | 3000 Leonard St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Admission: $12

Join Embellish Handbells as we perform songs around the theme of “There’s No Place Like Home” for our spring concert!

TBA

Postponed: Date/Time TBA
WVSaturday, Nov. 2, 2024 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Fall Mountain Ring

United Methodist Temple | 201 Templeview Drive, Beckley, WV 25801

Join conductor Joe Galyon for the West Virginia Mountain Ring, a handbell festival for choirs and independent ringers in West Virginia and beyond! Independent ringers will be assigned a position and placed into a choir.

Closing concert: Free and open to the public.

Registration: $20 per person. Table rental is $10 per 8ft table, and attendees should bring their own bells/chimes, foam, stands, music, etc.